Gambhir, manager test negative for swine flu

The Indian cricket team heaved a sigh of relief after opener Gautam Gambhir, manager Mayank Parekh and video analyst Dhananjay tested negative for Swine Flu in Mohali on Saturday.

After pacer S Sreesanth tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the Indian team had a scare when Parekh too was hospitalised with flu-like symptoms.

Gambhir and Dhananjay too showed mild symptoms, prompting the team management to get them tested as a precautionary measure.

"All three tests have turned out to be negative," Punjab Cricket Association's joint secretary GS Walia said.

After Gambhir showed symptoms of flu, Virat Kohli was called in as cover for Saturday's Twenty20 cricket match against Sri Lanka.

"The test was not done on any medical advice. Both (Gambhir and Dhananjay) are in their hotel rooms right now," Punjab Cricket Association President IS Bindra said.

Sreesanth is still in hospital recovering from the dreaded disease and the rest of team members who came in close proximity with the pacer were screened by a team of doctors.

Director of Fortis, Mohali, Dr AR Banerjee told PTI that the Kerala cricketer, who has been ruled out of Saturay's Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka, is doing better now.

"His condition is improving. All his vital parameters are okay. Sreesanth is likely to be under treatment at the hospital for 2-3 days. The decision to discharge him will be taken once there is a marked improvement in his condition," Banerjee said.

Punjab's Nodal Officer for swine flu cases, Deepak Bhatia said a team of doctors has told the Indian players to report any flu like symptoms as early as possible. 

Chandigarh's officiating Nodal Officer for swine flu cases, Dr G C Bansal said since the team was putting up in Chandigarh, a health team from the Union Territory had visited the Taj hotel to conduct a check up on the players. 

"However, we found that a team of doctors from Punjab was already there. We were informed that those who were in very close contact with the affected player have been put on preventive treatment," Bansal said.

Sri Lankan team's local manager Sushil Kapoor said no player from the island nation had so far shown any flu-like symptoms.

"The Lankan team practiced today and everything is normal with them and they are taking up things as per routine. There is no scare in the team whatsoever," Kapoor said. 

Walia said specific tests for swine flu will only be done if the players show symptoms. 

"The tests for swine flu will only be done if there are any symptoms of flu. Otherwise, players can just have a routine medical checkup," Walia said.